Springfree Springless Trampoline: Is It Worth The Money?

Springfree is one of the most popular trampoline brand around. Its springless trampolines are without a doubt the safest ones around, and owners love how they are built with the highest-quality materials.

But are they worth the higher-than-average price they cost? Read on and find out.

Next, let’s discuss what Springfree trampolines are, how to decide what you should get, and where to get a good deal.

What is the no spring Springfree trampoline?

Springfree’s trampoline set out to fix the safety problems presented by traditional trampolines. Although there are safety standards, manufacturers – obviously – are out to make money, not necessarily to keep kids safe.

The story started when Dr. Keith Alexander, Springfree’s inventor, wanted a trampoline for his daughter, but his wife refused, claiming trampolines were just too dangerous. Like a good dad, Keith set out to find a way for his child to jump safely.

At that moment, the world’s first springless trampoline was created.

How is it made, and is it safe?

Springfree trampolines work by eliminating all of the “problem” areas.

For example, the metal frame has been moved away from the jumping area, so there’s no chance of injury if a child slips.

Another main cause of trampoline injuries is a net that doesn’t keep the child away from the edge, or deteriorates to the point where it completely breaks and the child falls off the trampoline altogether. Springfree’s net is attached to the actual edge of the trampoline, not hovering above it, so there are no holes for a child to potentially fall through. Plus, it’s firmer, stronger, better knit, and doesn’t deteriorate like the others’ do.

What is it made of?

Trampolines with no springs are made of the same materials other trampolines are made of: plastic, rubber, and of course, some metal. The difference is in the quality of the material, and the way the trampoline is built.

Is it bouncy?

Trampolines with no springs are just as bouncy as trampolines with springs – maybe even more so. Instead of traditional springs connecting the jumping pad to the frame, Springfree’s no-spring trampolines have bendy but sturdy plastic rods underneath the jumping pad, providing both strong and flexible support, as well as a lot of bounce.

So whether you want to use the trampoline for play or exercise, you’ll enjoy the bounce.

(However, your question was justified: some of the other companies who offer trampolines with no springs don’t provide good bounce.)

Is the quality good?

These springless trampolines have survived 6-8 years of triple-digit heat before the trampoline needed replacing.

Springfree’s trampolines have also been used in Alaska “all year round,” according to the company. A few customers have tried using their no-spring trampolines all year round and happily used their trampoline outside, even when there was snow on the ground.

Regarding customer service, I haven’t really seen any complaints.

One person wrote in their Amazon review that some of the parts had arrived dented from the shipping, and Springfree was replacing them free of charge. Another person asked for a rebate, and got a prompt and polite reply, within 24 hours.

While writing this article, I came across a few things that didn’t make sense, and looked for a way to contact the company, figuring I could wait a day or two for an email response. In the top right corner, I saw a chat icon, and clicked.

I didn’t expect much – most sites have fake people (probably bots) answering their clients’ inquiries online.

I was in for a surprise: I got a PERSON. A real, live person, who could – and did – answer all my questions. I not only was impressed with the fact that I got a person and the fact that I got answers, I was also impressed with the representative’s niceness and customer service.

Is there a warranty?

All Springfree trampolines come with a basic warranty that can be extended when you sign up for a registered warranty.

Springfree’s basic warranty includes 4 years on the frame and 1 year each for the mat, rods, and net. Their registered warranty doubles those times, offering 8 years for the frame and 2 years each for the mat, rods, and net. It’s not amazing, but it certainly is appropriate and average for the market they’re in.

What shapes does the Springfree trampoline come in?

Springfree trampolines come in three shapes: square, round, and oval.

Let’s look at each one separately.

Round

This is the classic trampoline shape, and for good reason: a circle is one of the sturdiest shapes out there. Round trampolines also have the advantage of always directing the jumper straight back to the middle of the trampoline, no matter where they start their jump.

Springfree only sells one round trampoline: their medium round, with a 10 foot diameter.

Square

While a round trampoline literally cuts off the corners, a square trampoline allows the jumper to make the most of every centimeter – and allows the parents to make the most of their space. Plus, many kids like to jump off the corners. Square trampolines also have more bounce than round or oval trampolines.Springfree’s square trampolines come in large and jumbo sizes, measuring 11 x 11 feet and 13 x 13 feet respectively.

Oval

Because of the elongated shape, oval trampolines are larger than their round counterparts. The longer shape means longer jumps, but you’ll also need to work a bit harder in order to get the same jumping power. One word of warning: oval trampolines may mean a slightly tougher assembly.

Which size and shape holds the most weight?

On Amazon, different trampolines are advertised as being able to sustain different maximum weights. However, in Springfree’s table at the bottom of the page, and on their own site, it lists all the trampolines as having the same weight limit – 220 lbs.

I asked a company representative about the difference and this is what I was told: All Springfree trampolines have a weight limit of 220 lbs. Springfree’s policy is one jumper at a time, to avoid head collision. (This is important, guys. Really important.)

The weight limit is set based on how much you weigh and how high you can jump, and it’s also set to ensure that the jumper doesn’t “bottom out” (touch the ground). I asked what that meant, and the very nice(!) representative told me.

So in the rep’s words, “A 110lbs (50kg) person jumping 3.3ft (1m) above the mat will deflect the mat 70% of the distance to the ground.

“A 220 lbs (110kg) person jumping 1m above the mat deflect the mat 85% of the distance to the ground. And a 330lbs person jumping from 1m above the mat will deflect 95% of the distance to the ground.

“So if you are able to jump 1m above the mat, your weight plays into effect to your deflection rate. That doesn`t mean that a person who is heavier than 330lbs cannot jump on our trampoline.”

What other springless trampolines are available on the market?

Springfree is our favorite brand. But if you’d rather not spend $2-$3,000 on a trampoline, and would still like a trampoline with no springs, your next best option is the Vuly Thunder.

What size and shape should I buy?

The truth is that Springfree only offers medium, large, and jumbo size trampolines. And the size of your trampoline determines how much jumping space you’ll have.

Springfree does not recommend allowing more than one person to jump at once, due to risk of head collision.

If you want to have more jumping (and rolling) space, or you have an extra-large play area (whether indoors or outdoors), it would probably be smart to buy either a large or jumbo trampoline.

Bear in mind that not all shapes are available in very size, so you may have to choose size based on shape, or shape based on size.

Do remember that children grow, so it may be wise to buy a size larger than what you need now.

What accessories can I get?

Springfree offers five different accessories for their trampolines. Three of these are functional, while the other two are fun. Let’s start with the fun accessories:

a. Basketball hoop: This is a hoop that attaches to the top of the net. The hoop is made from the same materials as the trampoline, so there are no hard surfaces to bump against. Just like in basketball, players can jump and dunk – except this time, the jumping is less stable and the dunking requires more skill.

b. Tgoma: In the company’s words, Tgoma turns your trampoline “into the world’s first smart trampoline.” Tgoma connects four sensors on the jumping mat via Bluetooth to a tablet. Tgoma is basically an electronic game system, with fitness and educational programs for the whole family.

Springfree trampolines built after January 2015 will support Tgoma. However, the tablet itself is not included: you’ll need your own tablet to support Tgoma’s software and turn your regular trampoline “smart.”

c. FlexrStep: This is a step to make getting on and off the trampoline easier, especially for little people. Like the rest of Springfree’s metal parts, the step doesn’t actually interact with the jumping area – so your kids stay safe.

d. Shifting wheels: these are wheels that can be placed on the trampoline to allow an adult to move the trampoline when not in use, presumably to weed the yard or wash the floor. They are not intended for use when the trampoline itself is being jumped or sat on.

e. Ground anchors: Springfree offers ground anchors, to help, well, anchor the trampoline to the ground. Especially on uneven ground, this makes the trampoline even safer (though of course you don’t need the ground anchors for the trampoline to be safe – and it’s pretty hard to move a Springfree trampoline). The anchors can withstand a pull-out force of up to 900 N.

How much are Springfree Trampolines?

Last time we checked, the prices ranged from about $1749 for a medium trampoline, to about $2599 for a jumbo smart trampoline. Remember, though, that you’ve got a warranty, you won’t need to replace the net every six months, and there’s no padding that needs to be replaced.

Are they worth the money?

YES!! If you have the money to buy a Springfree trampoline, don’t skimp. Plus, remember that the savings you get when buying a cheaper trampoline may end up costing you down the line – in a broken arm, broken leg, and hopefully not worse. Best case scenario if you buy a cheap trampoline? You have to replace the net twice a year, at $100 a net. Makes more sense to spend the money on quality in the first place, doesn’t it?

It’s a trampoline you’re talking about here. People, especially kids, get hurt on trampolines. There are over 100,000 reported trampoline-related injuries in the United States alone per year.

This isn’t about fancy. It’s about safety. And just like you don’t skimp on car seat or crib safety, there is no way you’ll skimp on trampoline safety.

Springfree is your best bet.

Where can I find them for sale?

Springfree trampolines are available in the US, UK, and Canada, in stores such as Canadian Tire, Toys R Us, and Rainbow Play Systems.

However, you can often get a better deal at Amazon.

Should I get my Springfree Trampoline at Costco?

Springfree trampolines used to be available at Costco’s online store. But the last time I checked, they were no longer carrying them. We recommend Amazon instead. Which brings us to the next question:

Should I get my Springfree Trampoline at Amazon?

A lot of people like to buy their trampolines at Amazon because they are a trusted online store, and offer special deals. They will also deliver your trampoline to your home, so you don’t have to carry it.

How do I assemble my trampoline?

This is the tough part and Springfree’s biggest downside. Those no-spring trampolines are tough to assemble.

However, if you watch the video below and follow the instructions exactly, you shouldn’t have too much of a problem. Two people working can make the job much easier and faster, so work with a partner. And remember – in the end, you get a sturdy, safe trampoline.

As one satisfied customer wrote, these springless trampolines can support up to 330 pounds, and that’s no small feat.

What age are Springfree Springless trampolines good for?

Springfree trampolines are good from about kindergarten – maybe a year younger – up until adulthood. You don’t want kids jumping on a trampoline before they know how to jump on the ground, but after that, let them jump away.

Just watch the weight limit, and never let your kids jump without supervision.

Springfree vs Regular Trampolines

Like we said earlier, what sets Springfree apart is the absolute lack of problem areas on their trampoline. The company has truly worked hard to eliminate every single one, and it looks like they’ve succeeded.

Almost every customer review talks about how obvious it is during setup that this truly is the safest trampoline out there.

It’s strong, it’s sturdy, there are no metal bars for kids to bang on or slip through, and the net is well-made, strong, and firmly attached. There are no metal springs or “safety pads” insufficiently protecting them. And the bars surrounding the net are flexible and bend away from the child, preventing collisions and injuries.

Let’s see if we can compare the different trampoline options, just without the stress. We’ll compare Springfree’s trampolines to several other companies.’ And you’ll walk away knowing the plusses and minuses of each.

Let’s start.

Springfree Vs Jumptek

Jumptek is a Canadian trampoline which seems to be manufactured for or by Canadian Tire. There don’t seem to be too many reviews online, but from the comments on Canadian Tire’s site, it’s obvious that we’re talking about a pretty mediocre trampoline.

There are customers who are satisfied, and there are customers who are not. Several customers said the old model, with eight poles, had decent bounce, but the newer models were left wanting – so much so, that several kids complained, and a few even refused to jump.

There were also complaints about deterioration of the padding, the trampoline’s legs rusting(!), and trampolines blown away or crumpled by the wind.

One customer wrote that even though they stored the trampoline in their garage during the winter, the blue padding had completely worn away within two years. And they weren’t able to find replacement parts, forcing them to replace the entire trampoline. This seemed to be a recurring theme – they don’t have my part and if I want a trampoline I need to buy a new one. Not great, if you ask me.

Regarding instruction manuals, Jumptek’s seem to be worse than Springfree’s, with two separate sets that need to be read before you start to assemble the trampoline. In Jumptek’s defense, though there did seem to be quite a few customers who easily put the trampoline together in about an hour to an hour and a half.

However, Jumptek’s lack of bounce seems to be an attempt at making their trampoline more safe: the models have tight bands holding the mat to the frame, instead of actual springs.

Springfree’s no-spring trampolines do indeed have “bands” but they are large, flexible, and support the trampoline. Jumptek’s bands are connected to the trampoline in the same way you’d connect springs.

With regards to safety, though, not all of Jumptek’s models come with nets, and the metal poles and legs are not considerably different than those of their spring-using competitors.

One parent expressed frustration at having bought two separate Jumptek trampolines and having to replace both of them for a total of $800, and intended to buy a “top end trampoline (probably springless).”

Springfree Vs Vuly

Honestly, Vuly’s price range ($500-$2000) and the way their trampolines are made seem to indicate that they might be a decent second option, if you didn’t want to buy Springfree.

But first of all, if you’re going to spend over $1000 on a trampoline, you may as well buy the best. And second, Vuly isn’t really that great, if you take a closer look.

What’s good about Vuly is that they have three basic frame options: the basic one, which everyone has; a slightly better one, in which the bottom parts of the legs are connected by a circle “parallel” to the jumping mat; and a third option, on which the jumping mat sits on a base shaped like half an orange. Obviously, this third option seems to be safest, since it makes the trampoline sturdier and seems to allow the top portions of the poles to bend outward, reducing likelihood of injury.

Another point in Vuly’s favor is that you can buy a tent. Their tents give both shade and an extra layer of protection, since while jumping inside the net you’re surrounded by an extra layer of fabric – not just mesh.

However, Vuly’s downsides are still safety issues. Vuly trampolines have an actual door, meaning there’s a good chance your jumper may fall out if they land on that door. And their trampolines use springs and all that goes with them. Insufficient padding, exposed springs, slipping through the springs – all these hazards are still there in the Vuly trampoline.

Bottom Line: Both Vuly and Springfree are safe trampolines. Springfree is safer because the trampolines don’t have a door and are made without springs.

It’s worth noting that Vuly sells two models: Lift and Thunder. We’ll talk about Thunder in a minute.

Springfree Vs Thunder

Thunder claims to be “the world’s strongest trampoline” and that they have “the best bounce of any recreational trampoline in existence.” Those are pretty high claims.

Thunder does claim to have the best safety net, allowing jumpers to bump into it as much as they like, without hitting metal poles. The Thunder trampoline also doesn’t use conventional springs, instead using “leaf springs” placed under the jumping mat, to avoid (like Springfree) spring-related injuries.

Thunder trampolines, like Springfree trampolines, come in medium, large, and extra-large sizes. However, Vuly Thunder trampolines only come in the classic round shape.

Also like Springfree, all of Thunder’s trampolines give the same weight limit, this time 331 lbs. However, it’s not clear from their site, or from reviews, what exactly the half-orange under their trampoline is. An educated guess would probably be their leaf-spring system, but without actual explanations, it’s hard to know.

Thunder also shows a very clear door, and as a paranoid parent, that makes me nervous, because I assume the fabric is weaker in that area, and unlike with Springfree, Thunder’s door practically takes up an entire side.

If any of these trampolines are competing with Springfree for top place, Thunder is it.

But Springfree’s trampoline is supported by a lot more legs than Thunder’s conventional-spring-free trampoline. And Thunder’s springless trampoline still uses the straight poles common in conventional trampolines. Springfree’s poles are rounded, providing more support and a sturdier structure.

Thunder Pro does seem to be sturdier, leg-wise, than the regular Thunder model. However, the curvature of the poles is still inferior to Springfree’s.

And between you and me, if you fall the wrong way at the bottom of the net, you can still technically hit the metal springs supporting the mat.

I also didn’t feel like I could find enough satisfactory information on their website or the internet. Detailed specifics such as how their safety system worked were missing, and that made me uncomfortable.

Bottom Line: If you (or the jumper) weighs over 200 lbs, get Thunder. Otherwise, Springfree is the safer choice.

Springfree Vs Jumpsport

Unlike Springfree, not every Jumpsport model has a safety enclosure, and most models have springs. And while Springfree’s customer service seems to be excellent, Jumpsport’s is average at best.

Several customers complained of safety issues with their Jumpsport trampolines, but there’s not enough evidence to prove that those issues were actual problems with the trampoline model itself.

In Jumpsport’s defense, they do have a springless model that substitutes cords for the traditional springs. Jumpsport claims that cords give more bounce, but regardless, they are much safer than springs.

Still, they allow legs to get trapped in between, and the padding covering the cords does not guarantee jumpers won’t fall and injure themselves.

Bottom line: we prefer Springfree

Springfree Vs AlleyOop

As Thunder is to Vuly, AlleyOop is to Jumpsport. AlleyOop is considered to be Jumpsport’s better big brother, with higher quality fabric and a longer-lasting trampoline in general.

Alley Oop is a typical good quality spring trampoline.

Like Springfree, the variety is limited in terms of shapes and sizes.

However, unlike Springfree, their netting isn’t necessarily well-positioned to catch a jumping child, so despite the better quality, it’s not certain that the investment will actually pay off. Also, the netting isn’t too firm, and its knit is not as high quality as Springfree’s.

Bearing in mind that many trampoline injuries occur when the child slips between the net and trampoline, or falls directly through the net, it seems that buying Alley-Oop may be a bit too risky. Yes, you can buy an extra net, but to be honest, it’s an added expense and it’s one that should be repeated every four to six months or so.

Like Springfree, Alley Oop is designe to withstand harsh weather.

Springfree Vs Skywalker

Skywalker trampolines beat Springfree in many ways: they’re cheaper, slightly easier to assemble, and they come in more shapes and sizes than Springfree trampolines do. Skywalker even has a toddler trampoline.

However, while Skywalker trampolines meet the safety standards, they don’t necessarily exceed them. Skywalker is a typical spring-using trampoline, albeit a good quality one, with all the hazards inherent to typical spring-using trampolines. And while they certainly are cheaper than Springfree, the question is whether the sacrifice in safety is really worth the money.

The bottom line?

The real question that we, as parents, always ask ourselves is, “Is this safe for my child? Will I regret this down the road?” And truly, I think that question answers it all.

Jumping on the floor often isn’t safe – kids bump against walls, corners, each other, and often fall. Sometimes they bump against objects.

Trampolines don’t have objects, walls, or corners, but they do have springs, poles, and spaces in which little limbs can get caught. Nets deteriorate, legs rust, frames aren’t always strong enough to withstand the wind…..and it’s up to us, as parents, to keep our kids safe.

Springfree’s frame is strong, strong enough to withstand the winds and the weather for a few years straight, without being brought in during extreme weather conditions, sun, or rain. Springfree also offers anchors, to make their already-sturdy frame even sturdier.

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David VanAvermaete says
June 6, 2018

I contracted through Springfree to relocate my existing Springfree Trampoline to new location a few miles away. Re-assembly was botched resulting in a significant warp rendering trampoline unusable. Springfree and subcontractor (goconfigure) both unresponsive to issue. More concerned with sales than service or safety. So sad.

I have owned a spring free tramp for 2 years now the large oval one and I must say its the cadillac of trampolines and safe as safe can be. have had numerous kiddos play on it as well as my own and they have loads of safe fun in it and its outside all the time and stands up to al the elements. the warranty is excellent the best you can get for any trampoline and we have 75 mile an hour wind here seasonally and the darn thing doesn’t even move and the accessories are stellar. my kids make videos of all the jumps they do and acrobats.

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